How to Lay Kitchen Wall Tiles Correctly

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Properly laying kitchen wall tiles is crucial if you are adding an element, such as a backsplash. This is a great weekend project to update the look of your kitchen. You can find materials for laying kitchen wall tiles at your local home improvement store.

Preparation

The first step that is required before any work can begin is to prepare the wall. You will need to remove all the outlet covers and switch plates by using a standard screwdriver. The area for the backsplash will need to be sanded with a light-grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the surface for the paint. Clean dust from the wall with a damp rag or sponge.

The next step is to measure and mark the center of the wall. You will need to use a tape measure with a level to complete this part of the job. The center should be a focal point in the room. Draw a line using a pencil for the starting point. The tiles then need to be arranged on the floor in the pattern to use on the wall.

Laying the Tiles

Mastic or thinset for adhering the tiles to the wall will then need to be applied. This needs to be done by using a trowel. Scoop out the thinset or mastic and spread it on the wall. Make sure that the trowel is at a 45 degree angle. You want to have an area big enough to cover at least eight tiles. Fill in all bare spots on the wall if any are present.

Place the first row of tiles along the bottom of the wall. Make sure you have a gap in-between the tiles for caulk or grout. Press the tiles onto the thinset or mastic to ensure they adhere properly. Lay the tiles until you reach the edge of a wall or other structure. Tiles can be cut to the proper by using a tile saw or with a tile cutter.

Set tile spacers on top of the first row if you will be using grout. If you will use caulk to seal your tiles, then no spacers are needed. Lay the next row of tiles and some decorative tiles for your design. You may choose any type of decorative tile for your backsplash or any part of the wall.

Finishing

Let the tiles sit overnight so the mastic or thinset will fully dry. The finishing step is to apply a grout to the tiles. This will be done by using a grout float. Put a modest amount of grout on the float and spread it over the tile joints. Pull the float to fill the joints with grout. Use a damp sponge to clean excess grout from the tiles.

Jacey is a DIY enthusiast and also writes on behalf of Online Tile Shop, who specialise in wall and floor tiles, including kitchen wall tiles.